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Healthy Habits

Food Recall

How to Thaw Turkey Safely

In the refrigerator : Turkeys can be thawed using one of three methods, but the safest, most foolproof, and most recommended is to thaw them in the refrigerator. In addition to being the safest method, this will also result in the best finished product.

Plan ahead and allow about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of bird weight.

Place the turkey, in the original wrapper, on a shallow-rimmed baking sheet or platter in the refrigerator.

Refer to the following chart for estimated thawing times.

Refrigerator Turkey Thawing Time (40 degrees F)

Turkey Weight

Days to Allow for Thawing Turkey

8 to 12 pounds

2 to 2.5 days

12 to 16 pounds

2.5 to 4 days

16 to 20 pounds

4 to 5 days

20 to 24 pounds

5 to 6 days

The Cold Water Method: If planning fell short, and you need to thaw the turkey more quickly, use the cold water method.

Cover the turkey, still sealed in the original wrapper, with cold water.

Change the cold water every 30 minutes.

Allow about 30 minutes per pound for complete thawing, or refer to the following chart.

COLD Water Turkey Thawing Time

Turkey Weight

Hours to Allow for Thawing Turkey

8 to 12 pounds

4 to 6 hours

12 to 16 pounds

6 to 8 hours

16 to 20 pounds

8 to 10 hours

20 to 24 pounds

10 to 12 hours

The Microwave Method: Even though thawing can be safely done in the microwave, it is the least desired method for producing a good-quality finished product, and the turkey must be roasted immediately after thawing.